Letter 1 –
April 27 1861
April 27 1861
Dear Maria,
Isn’t it odd
how it doesn’t seem like very long since I have moved? Here Travis has lived
here nearly his whole life, and everybody knows him and his family, whereas I
am still having a hard time adjusting to my new life. Here in Williamstown life
is different from in Cambridge. All these people have different morals and
beliefs then what we were raised on. I told Travis what I had thought about my
new life and he said “You will adjust to the people in time, my love.” so what
could I have said to him? Anyway, how is your new family sister? How are you
adjusting to your new life? I hope all is well and you are doing fine. Farewell
for now.
how it doesn’t seem like very long since I have moved? Here Travis has lived
here nearly his whole life, and everybody knows him and his family, whereas I
am still having a hard time adjusting to my new life. Here in Williamstown life
is different from in Cambridge. All these people have different morals and
beliefs then what we were raised on. I told Travis what I had thought about my
new life and he said “You will adjust to the people in time, my love.” so what
could I have said to him? Anyway, how is your new family sister? How are you
adjusting to your new life? I hope all is well and you are doing fine. Farewell
for now.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 2 –
May 20, 1861
May 20, 1861
Dear
Elizabeth,
Elizabeth,
It has been three days
since I received your last letter. Bryan and I are in good health, I am sorry
for the little satisfaction in your move to Williamstown, Kentucky. Since
Lincoln was elected president, the south has seceded from the union and there’s
been lots of conflict within the regions. My new home town; Georgetown, Ohio is
but a bit of time away from Williamstown. I hope that we will still be able to
visit. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
since I received your last letter. Bryan and I are in good health, I am sorry
for the little satisfaction in your move to Williamstown, Kentucky. Since
Lincoln was elected president, the south has seceded from the union and there’s
been lots of conflict within the regions. My new home town; Georgetown, Ohio is
but a bit of time away from Williamstown. I hope that we will still be able to
visit. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Maria James to
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 3-
June 12th 1861
June 12th 1861
Dear Maria,
Thank you
for the thoughts and prayers. About my newfound life. I know Travis is used to
this however I cannot stand the fact that the neighbor’s Negros are treated
terribly. It’s as if they are dogs, worse than dogs, they are barely even
allowed in the house. I knew that most people down here didn’t treat the Negros
right. I just never thought it to be this bad, especially after the war
started. Things are much worse; Travis is barely home [if at all] most nights
and leaves me to tend to the ranch on my own with a hand from the Negros. I
treat them with utter respect, though I will admit that I’m very discreet about
it. If the people around here get around to hearing that I am kind to my slaves…well
I don’t know as to what would happen, but let’s not think about that. It is so
nice to talk to someone who understands me and who I can express my feelings towards.
I hope everything is better there. I love you.
for the thoughts and prayers. About my newfound life. I know Travis is used to
this however I cannot stand the fact that the neighbor’s Negros are treated
terribly. It’s as if they are dogs, worse than dogs, they are barely even
allowed in the house. I knew that most people down here didn’t treat the Negros
right. I just never thought it to be this bad, especially after the war
started. Things are much worse; Travis is barely home [if at all] most nights
and leaves me to tend to the ranch on my own with a hand from the Negros. I
treat them with utter respect, though I will admit that I’m very discreet about
it. If the people around here get around to hearing that I am kind to my slaves…well
I don’t know as to what would happen, but let’s not think about that. It is so
nice to talk to someone who understands me and who I can express my feelings towards.
I hope everything is better there. I love you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Weston
Weston
Letter 4
November 20, 1861
November 20, 1861
Dear sister,
I read the
daily newspaper at the postal office this morning and I rushed to write you.
The news of Kentucky becoming a confederate state has shocked Bryan and myself,
although it was to be expected, since they are still a slave state, and the way you describe things in that state.
Bryan fears the worst; we are a Union state that is opposing the confederacy.
We are at war sister. I long to hear from you soon.
daily newspaper at the postal office this morning and I rushed to write you.
The news of Kentucky becoming a confederate state has shocked Bryan and myself,
although it was to be expected, since they are still a slave state, and the way you describe things in that state.
Bryan fears the worst; we are a Union state that is opposing the confederacy.
We are at war sister. I long to hear from you soon.
Maria James to
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 5
December 8 1861
December 8 1861
My loving
Maria,
Maria,
What you
speak up is true, although earlier in the year, [back in June] Kentucky and a
few other states, [Delaware, Maryland, and Missouri] I believe would not
succeed from the union because of military pressure. But as shown, we are
currently now a confederate state. The ways Negros go about and get nearly
beaten to death for game by the whites. Surely makes me sick to my stomach.
This lifestyle does not fit my satisfaction. I long for mama’s corn bread with
butter and sitting around the stove with you and mother sewing patches onto the
knees of the pants where it got mighty worn down on papa’s overalls. Sadly
those times are long gone. Talk soon.
speak up is true, although earlier in the year, [back in June] Kentucky and a
few other states, [Delaware, Maryland, and Missouri] I believe would not
succeed from the union because of military pressure. But as shown, we are
currently now a confederate state. The ways Negros go about and get nearly
beaten to death for game by the whites. Surely makes me sick to my stomach.
This lifestyle does not fit my satisfaction. I long for mama’s corn bread with
butter and sitting around the stove with you and mother sewing patches onto the
knees of the pants where it got mighty worn down on papa’s overalls. Sadly
those times are long gone. Talk soon.
Elizabeth
Weston
Weston
Letter 6 January
27, 1862
27, 1862
Miss
Elizabeth Weston
Elizabeth Weston
The worst
has come upon us. We had just got notice that Bryan is asked to join the union
army. I am very distressed with the series of unfortunate events. I am so very
worried for him. He is set to go the 30th of this month. In the newspaper this
morning we read President Lincoln announce that he has issued a war order
authorizing the union to launch an aggressive action against the confederacy. This
would mean that battles will get worse.
has come upon us. We had just got notice that Bryan is asked to join the union
army. I am very distressed with the series of unfortunate events. I am so very
worried for him. He is set to go the 30th of this month. In the newspaper this
morning we read President Lincoln announce that he has issued a war order
authorizing the union to launch an aggressive action against the confederacy. This
would mean that battles will get worse.
Maria James
Letter 7
march 10, 1862
march 10, 1862
My Dear
Sister Maria,
Sister Maria,
When you mentioned
in your last letter president Lincoln announcing aggressive action I had seen
the same in the newspaper on the same day I believe. A few days ago I also
heard that the general who was in charge of the action taking place did not follow
orders and lost his command. I do fear the worst of battle across our pastures.
I am very sorry to hear that your husband has been called to war. Travis has
been in the confederate army for nearly 23 days. I find myself spilling my
emotions to the slaves at the house. However I am grateful for all of them,
they are all so nice. I think we have a good understanding of each other. They
need me as much as I need them. Especially now, that
Travis is gone, I feel sick most days not knowing where he is or whether or not
he is alive. Union soldiers pass through Williams town often, I have been
watching to see if your husband is one of them, yet if I was to see him I don’t
know what I would say to him, or if he would Even talk to me considering he is
fighting for the opposing side. I’ve become melancholy thinking about how such
events can tear a family apart. I refuse to stand for this; I refuse to remain
here oppressed.
in your last letter president Lincoln announcing aggressive action I had seen
the same in the newspaper on the same day I believe. A few days ago I also
heard that the general who was in charge of the action taking place did not follow
orders and lost his command. I do fear the worst of battle across our pastures.
I am very sorry to hear that your husband has been called to war. Travis has
been in the confederate army for nearly 23 days. I find myself spilling my
emotions to the slaves at the house. However I am grateful for all of them,
they are all so nice. I think we have a good understanding of each other. They
need me as much as I need them. Especially now, that
Travis is gone, I feel sick most days not knowing where he is or whether or not
he is alive. Union soldiers pass through Williams town often, I have been
watching to see if your husband is one of them, yet if I was to see him I don’t
know what I would say to him, or if he would Even talk to me considering he is
fighting for the opposing side. I’ve become melancholy thinking about how such
events can tear a family apart. I refuse to stand for this; I refuse to remain
here oppressed.
Your sister,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Letter 8 March
20th, 1862
20th, 1862
Dear Sister,
It brings me
great joy to write to you, I miss you dearly. It has been hard since Bryan has
left for war. He writes often but I fear that I will stop receiving his
letters. I have been attending a church that is a mile away from our farm. One
of the ladies that go there is about my age, or a bit older, about 25. She has
two beautiful twin boys around the age of 5. Her name is Jane, her and I have
become close and she helps me tend the garden. She helps me keep my mind off
things. Also I hope that you are doing better Elizabeth.
great joy to write to you, I miss you dearly. It has been hard since Bryan has
left for war. He writes often but I fear that I will stop receiving his
letters. I have been attending a church that is a mile away from our farm. One
of the ladies that go there is about my age, or a bit older, about 25. She has
two beautiful twin boys around the age of 5. Her name is Jane, her and I have
become close and she helps me tend the garden. She helps me keep my mind off
things. Also I hope that you are doing better Elizabeth.
Love, Maria
Letter 9 March
25, 1862
25, 1862
Dear Maria,
I am glad to
hear that you have people to talk to and keep you company. The rebel people are animals, they make their slaves do
everything, I mean everything. They won’t even step foot outside for very
long. Sometimes to punish them they will
tie them to trees and make them sleep outside. O sister, I wish there was
something I could do to help, for this is only one of the many terrible things
these people do to the Negros. However I will deal with it because I love my
husband, I just don’t know how long I will be able to watch this day by day.
hear that you have people to talk to and keep you company. The rebel people are animals, they make their slaves do
everything, I mean everything. They won’t even step foot outside for very
long. Sometimes to punish them they will
tie them to trees and make them sleep outside. O sister, I wish there was
something I could do to help, for this is only one of the many terrible things
these people do to the Negros. However I will deal with it because I love my
husband, I just don’t know how long I will be able to watch this day by day.
Letter 10
March 29, 1862
March 29, 1862
Dear
Elizabeth,
Elizabeth,
I do understand your
feelings about the Negros, we were not raised to think in such racial ways as
the confederate people might have been. As I mentioned in my previous letter Jane
helps me with the garden, tend to the house, and keeps me good company with her
two young boys. I talk to Jane about the slavery in the rebel states and she
feels strongly about the subject that she has done something. I know that you
wish you could help the Negros but sister, what would you think if I had a solution?
As you know there are people that help slaves. Jane is involved in the Underground
Railroad. She escapes slaves to the north or to Canada, the free slave places.
This might be something to think about.
feelings about the Negros, we were not raised to think in such racial ways as
the confederate people might have been. As I mentioned in my previous letter Jane
helps me with the garden, tend to the house, and keeps me good company with her
two young boys. I talk to Jane about the slavery in the rebel states and she
feels strongly about the subject that she has done something. I know that you
wish you could help the Negros but sister, what would you think if I had a solution?
As you know there are people that help slaves. Jane is involved in the Underground
Railroad. She escapes slaves to the north or to Canada, the free slave places.
This might be something to think about.
Until I hear from you
again,
again,
Maria James
Letter 11
April 4, 1862
April 4, 1862
Dear Maria
James,
James,
It is very
nice to be able to write to you again. I haven’t heard from Travis in many
weeks, months it seems. I mainly go to bed thinking whether or not he is truly
alive. I keep a firearm next to my bed when I sleep so that I have a way to
protect myself if there were any mishappenings. Now about this mysterious
Quaker named Jane. This is very risky to send a letter about, please do not get
in trouble for this. Yes I want to help the Negros here but are you crazy? What
will happen if I was to get caught? I would be hung for my crimes, or worse
tortured by the people around here. I will have to think about this for a
while, this is very dangerous. I love you.
nice to be able to write to you again. I haven’t heard from Travis in many
weeks, months it seems. I mainly go to bed thinking whether or not he is truly
alive. I keep a firearm next to my bed when I sleep so that I have a way to
protect myself if there were any mishappenings. Now about this mysterious
Quaker named Jane. This is very risky to send a letter about, please do not get
in trouble for this. Yes I want to help the Negros here but are you crazy? What
will happen if I was to get caught? I would be hung for my crimes, or worse
tortured by the people around here. I will have to think about this for a
while, this is very dangerous. I love you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 12 April
10th, 1862
10th, 1862
Miss
Elizabeth,
Elizabeth,
On the 6th
of April there was a gruesome battle down in Shiloh, Tennessee, which I’m sure
you have heard of already. So many lives were lost. I pray that such short
comings would not occur in either yours or my own town. I have news; I have
joined Jane in the escaping of slaves. I have been helping transport them
across the union line, since we live so close to the boarder. I do hope you
decide to join us, because I know how much you suffer with the treated slaves
from your place. Write back soon.
of April there was a gruesome battle down in Shiloh, Tennessee, which I’m sure
you have heard of already. So many lives were lost. I pray that such short
comings would not occur in either yours or my own town. I have news; I have
joined Jane in the escaping of slaves. I have been helping transport them
across the union line, since we live so close to the boarder. I do hope you
decide to join us, because I know how much you suffer with the treated slaves
from your place. Write back soon.
Maria James to
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 13 April
18, 1862
18, 1862
Dear Maria,
I have
decided to take action. I will help you escape slaves from here in
Williamstown. I cannot bear to watch this cruelty any longer, they are so
malnourished and worn down. I would like to know all the details of the plan. I
could also help with the transportation.
decided to take action. I will help you escape slaves from here in
Williamstown. I cannot bear to watch this cruelty any longer, they are so
malnourished and worn down. I would like to know all the details of the plan. I
could also help with the transportation.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Letter 14
July 16, 1862
July 16, 1862
My dear
Elizabeth,
Elizabeth,
I am sorry
that it has taken so long for me to write, but I have not been able to find the
time. I have stayed busy with the operation. I hope that we can meet soon in
order to plan our next escape. There has been so many battles surrounding us, I
fear the worst for Bryan, but it is also risky to travel, but it needs to be
done. Jane and I can surely make it to Williamstown in a few days.
that it has taken so long for me to write, but I have not been able to find the
time. I have stayed busy with the operation. I hope that we can meet soon in
order to plan our next escape. There has been so many battles surrounding us, I
fear the worst for Bryan, but it is also risky to travel, but it needs to be
done. Jane and I can surely make it to Williamstown in a few days.
Maria James to
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 15 July
24, 1862
24, 1862
Sister Maria,
I am very pleased to hear
from you, please come when it’s fit for the both of you.
from you, please come when it’s fit for the both of you.
Expecting you soon.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 16 August
15, 1882
15, 1882
Dear
Elizabeth,
Elizabeth,
I am delighted that
everything went as planned; the Negro mother and her child are currently
staying with Jane and I until we can find a way to transport them to Canada. Where
the negro mother claims she has family. I hope that everything went well on
your end.
everything went as planned; the Negro mother and her child are currently
staying with Jane and I until we can find a way to transport them to Canada. Where
the negro mother claims she has family. I hope that everything went well on
your end.
Maria James to
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 17
August 19, 1882
August 19, 1882
Dear Maria,
That is so wonderful to
hear that they have a place to go. Due to the suspicion of my nosey neighbors
believe that we should be very careful where the letters are placed and stored.
When the neighbors come over I can hardly get away from them. However I must be
polite but try my best to keep my privacy. Until next time.
hear that they have a place to go. Due to the suspicion of my nosey neighbors
believe that we should be very careful where the letters are placed and stored.
When the neighbors come over I can hardly get away from them. However I must be
polite but try my best to keep my privacy. Until next time.
Letter 18 August 24, 1882
Dear Elizabeth,
Yes I do agree that we
must be more cautious about the information we are transferring. On lighter
note, the Negro family has been safely transferred to Canada. It was a clean
trip which we are very grateful for. I have heard from some of the town’s
people in Williamstown that there is a Negro father, mother, and daughter that
we are planning an escape and we have agreed to help. If you are available on
the 2nd of September when we plan to make the escape then it will be
very helpful. Maybe bring some change of clothing for them in order for it to
seem like they were freed slaves in order to avoid suspicions. We are very
greatful to you sister. May god be with you.
must be more cautious about the information we are transferring. On lighter
note, the Negro family has been safely transferred to Canada. It was a clean
trip which we are very grateful for. I have heard from some of the town’s
people in Williamstown that there is a Negro father, mother, and daughter that
we are planning an escape and we have agreed to help. If you are available on
the 2nd of September when we plan to make the escape then it will be
very helpful. Maybe bring some change of clothing for them in order for it to
seem like they were freed slaves in order to avoid suspicions. We are very
greatful to you sister. May god be with you.
Maria James to
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 19 August 30, 1882
Miss Maria,
I am happy to hear that
they made it to their destination safely. I would also be happy to help the
Negro family of three. It wouldn’t be a problem to provide a change of clothing
for them either. Also I have received a letter from Travis, in his letter he
says that he should be passing through Williamstown October 30th, he
says he will try his hardest to see me. I am so delighted with this news. I am
very eager to see him.
they made it to their destination safely. I would also be happy to help the
Negro family of three. It wouldn’t be a problem to provide a change of clothing
for them either. Also I have received a letter from Travis, in his letter he
says that he should be passing through Williamstown October 30th, he
says he will try his hardest to see me. I am so delighted with this news. I am
very eager to see him.
Elizabeth Weston to
Maria James
Letter 20 November 18,
1882
1882
Dear Elizabeth,
I have not heard from you
for some time now, I am beginning to worry. I hope that everything is well with
you in Williamstown, and also that your husband got a chance to see you. Please
write back as soon as possible.
for some time now, I am beginning to worry. I hope that everything is well with
you in Williamstown, and also that your husband got a chance to see you. Please
write back as soon as possible.
Love,
Maria
Letter 21 December 2, 1882
My dearest Maria,
I am dearly sorry that I
haven’t written in a while. You see, some terrible things have come up. I know
that this might be hard to bare but I have been incarcerated by the confederate
troops. I am writing you from the jail. When my husband Travis arrived to the
farm, the general had also come. I made the horrible mistake of not hiding my
letters well. They were found and I was revealed. I am very sorry for this
Maria.
haven’t written in a while. You see, some terrible things have come up. I know
that this might be hard to bare but I have been incarcerated by the confederate
troops. I am writing you from the jail. When my husband Travis arrived to the
farm, the general had also come. I made the horrible mistake of not hiding my
letters well. They were found and I was revealed. I am very sorry for this
Maria.
You’re Sister, Elizabeth
Letter 22 December 15,
1882
1882
Elizabeth,
I am dearly sorry for what
has happened. I can’t help to think that I am the cause of all this. I hope
that you can forgive me. In the newspaper there is often news about President
Abraham Lincoln abolishing slavery, he has been working on this for some time
now, as you may already know. I pray that this happens soon. This would give
them no reason to keep you arrested seeing that you weren’t doing anything
illegal if the slaves are freed. I hope that you are safe and better. Write
back as soon as possible, I plan to go down and see you as soon as I can.
has happened. I can’t help to think that I am the cause of all this. I hope
that you can forgive me. In the newspaper there is often news about President
Abraham Lincoln abolishing slavery, he has been working on this for some time
now, as you may already know. I pray that this happens soon. This would give
them no reason to keep you arrested seeing that you weren’t doing anything
illegal if the slaves are freed. I hope that you are safe and better. Write
back as soon as possible, I plan to go down and see you as soon as I can.
Maria James to
Elizabeth Weston
Letter 23 January 2, 1883
Dear Maria,
I am so greatful that you
had come to see me when I was imprisoned. But as you know I was released
yesterday, the first day of the year, because they had no longer a reason to
keep me arrested due to President Lincoln freeing the slaves. I am so over
joyed. Although, as we know this won’t be the end of all the conflicts, the
North and the South will always have their differences but it is a step closer
for freedom for all and a very large step forward for the United States of
America. After looking back at our actions I do not regret what we have done,
we made all the difference in the world to some people. I feel very blessed to
be surrounded by such wonderful people like you and Jane. I hope that we can
get together soon, and please write as soon as you can.
had come to see me when I was imprisoned. But as you know I was released
yesterday, the first day of the year, because they had no longer a reason to
keep me arrested due to President Lincoln freeing the slaves. I am so over
joyed. Although, as we know this won’t be the end of all the conflicts, the
North and the South will always have their differences but it is a step closer
for freedom for all and a very large step forward for the United States of
America. After looking back at our actions I do not regret what we have done,
we made all the difference in the world to some people. I feel very blessed to
be surrounded by such wonderful people like you and Jane. I hope that we can
get together soon, and please write as soon as you can.
Love,
Elizabeth Weston
